Anderson Silva's brand is becoming toxic

Reaching the top of the mountain can sometimes leave the climber with vertigo. It appears that may be happening to Anderson Silva.

Two awful performances, two fights of pure showboating, two disastrous main events, one of which left your boss 'embarrassed'.

Forget pound-for-pound king, Silva needs to rescue his brand.

Anderson Silva was never the strongest PPV draw, despite putting together an impressive resume and highlight reel that would make any fighter jealous. For whatever reason (perhaps ethnicity and language?) Silva couldn't bring in the large PPV numbers. There is the possibility that no one views any of his opponents as legitimate threats, but after two horrible fights Silva may no longer be a viable main event draw.

If a poor performance wasn't bad enough there is also new allegations of 'greasing'. Josh Gross was the first to notice Silva rubbing his body down after he entered the Octagon. Watching the tape and it does look highly suspicious.

Then there is also a brewing public relations storm. In the post-fight press conference Silva's manager and translator issued an apology to the crowd and fans. But a new translation paints are far more indifferent response. Instead of apologizing Silva said,

"I did well in the fight, I can't always make you happy. Not everyone understands what they are watching, but hey, you guys can boo if you want. You are paying my salary."

Anderson Silva has the right to feel whatever way he wants to, and Thales Leites didn't exactly help with his Paulo Fihlo style flopping, but his manager's miss translation makes what could of been a mute point all the more poignant.

So what is going on with Anderson Silva? Perhaps there is a real reason for such a sudden drop off. MMA Payout thinks so and I am inclined to agree.

MMA Payout's argument rests on a comparison between the Randy Couture saga and Anderson Silva. Silva really wants to fight Roy Jones Jr. but the UFC won't let him. Couple that with a new contract that gives him a cut of the PPV, but poor opponents guaranteeing low numbers and the fighter is left indifferent.

Whatever it is, Anderson Silva needs to get a hold of it before his brand before it becomes permanently toxic.